WHZ View: Soucek celebrating Europa win with former teammates is proof of his character
West Ham star Tomas Soucek celebrated with his former teammates on the pitch last night as Slavia Prague won 2-0 at Leicester in the Europa League.
The Slavia heroes were delighted with their upset, and called the Hammers midfielder whilst on the pitch to join in the triumph.
After a goalless draw in Prague, Lukas Provod and Abdullah Sima scored to give the Czech champions a famous win at the King Power Stadium.
Soucek was spotted on a video call, which was picked up by the BT Sport cameras. Our number 28 was watching from home, wearing his old club’s shirt. He still appears to be a popular figure amongst his previous side.
How can you not love this man?
It demonstrates further what a fantastic person he is. His teammates were ecstatic to have won at Leicester and even started chanting his name when he joined them.
Soucek spent 15 years with Slavia Prague having graduated to the first team through their youth system. He made 158 appearances before joining the Hammers on loan last season.
After an impressive spell, he was snapped up on a permeant transfer and has been a revelation this season.
He’s formed an excellent partnership alongside Declan Rice, contributing heavily to our push up the table. Soucek has scored eight times in the Premier League, more than any other West Ham player. We’d be seven points worse off if you took his goals away, which would leave us outside the top seven.
It’s not just his goals that have been a big factor. Soucek also advised we sign Vladimir Coufal from his former club. His fellow countryman has been brilliant at right-back, and rivals Soucek for signing of the season.
Having been champions in the Czech Republic, the pair have brought over a winning mentality to the club. It was reported that they actually come into the training ground on days off to continue working, an attitude which has rubbed off on the other first-team players.
Working on their days off? No wonder we’re pushing for Europe. Have they got any other mates at Slavia Prague?
In other West Ham news, here are Stuart Pearce’s top three moments for the Hammers.